Microcopy that helps without judging
Tone was the feature
In the Filis research, students said budgeting apps made them feel judged, and that people who feel judged uninstall. So the biggest UX decision wasn’t a feature, it was how every sentence sounds.
Lines from the app
You’ve spent 68% of this week’s budget. Keep it under 8 JD and you’ll stay on track. Just skip the late-night snacks 😄
Amazing! You’ve logged expenses for 7 days straight. Keep it up!
Your coffee spending is up 40% this week compared to your average.
The rules
- Say the number: people act on facts, not vague warnings.
- Suggest one action, and make it small.
- Celebrate effort as loudly as you warn.
- No banking jargon, and never “you failed”.
Notifications AI assistant
